GILBERT, Sir Humphrey, a brave officer and skilful navigator, was born about the year 1539, in Devonshire, of an ancient and honourable family. Though a second son, he inherited a considerable fortune from his father. He was educated at Eton, and afterwards at Oxford; where probably he did not continue long. It seems he was intended to finish his studies in the Temple; but being introduced at court by his aunt Mrs Catharine Ashley, then in the queen's service, he was diverted from the study of law, and commenced soldier. Having distinguished himself in several military expeditions, particularly that to Newhaven in 1563, he was sent over to Ireland to assist in suppressing a rebellion; where, for his signal services, he was made commander in chief and gover-